80PLUS

80 PLUS® certification is the most widely recognized independent standard in power supply efficiency. An 80 PLUS® certified PSU uses less energy and generates less heat to stay cooler, run quieter and last longer. 80 PLUS® certification lowers your operating costs and helps protect the environment. There are four levels of certification based on efficiency at varying operating loads:

Active PFC

Active Power Factor Correction improves the power factor value of the PSU by altering the input current wave shape. PSUs with Active PFC can achieve a power factor of 0.99, while PSUs with Passive PFC can only achieve 0.70, and PSUs with no PFC achieve less than 0.60. A higher power factor reduces transmission losses and improves efficiency for power companies, making Active PFC an important feature for the environment.

DC to DC voltage regulated modules

DC to DC voltage regulated module stabilizes the output voltage and makes your system more reliable:

• I.         PSUs with DC to DC voltage regulated module offer more stable output voltage than the magnetic            amplifier circuitry, thanks to the higher working frequency of the DC to DC circuitry.
• II.        PSUs with DC to DC voltage regulated module are energy efficient. The DC to DC voltage regulated            module uses MOSFET with low on-state loss. DC to DC voltage regulated module reaches 90%            efficiency in transferring 12V to 5V or 3.3V; magnetic amplifier circuitry can only reach 70%.
• III.       Since there is no minimum load needed while transferring 12V to 5V and 3.3V, PSUs with DC to            DC voltage regulated module have no compatibility issues with other systems.

Antec’s DC-DC voltage regulated module is 30 times faster than magnetic amplifier scheme

EMI filtering

EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filters are a required circuit for PSUs, and in a good PSU the EMI filter is well designed. An EMI filter prevents PSU noise from interfering with other electronic devices, and vice versa. With lower quality PSUs, it is common to experience “noise” from screens, TVs or radios when turning on your computer.

PowerCache™

PowerCache™ is a technology that helps to stabilize the power output to CPU & video card. By adding a 2200µf capacitor at the end of the CPU and graphics cables, power can be delivered instantaneously where and when needed rather than from the power supply itself. For example, a 23A increase of demand from the CPU or GPU could cause a voltage drop of 1V causing a crash or reboot. With PowerCache™, the voltage drop will be just 0.2V, keeping the system running and stable.

Universal Input

Universal Input is another term for “full range.” A PSU with Universal Input can be used in any country around the world within 90-240VAC, without having to adjust the input power select switch.

What is Advanced Hybrid Cable Management?

Today’s PSUs currently feature three types of cable management:

• I.         Traditional PSU: All cables are connected directly to the PSU, including extra cables. The advantage            is lower wire-transmission loss; the disadvantage is cable clutter and reduced airflow/cooling.
• II.        Modular PSU: All cables are connected to the PSU via connectors or “plugs.” The advantage is better            cable management for airflow and cooling; the disadvantage is high wire-transmission loss.
• III.       Antec’s Advanced Hybrid Cable Management PSU: Combines traditional PSU and modular PSU            design; all necessary cables are permanently connected (including Molex and SATA cables), while            any extra cables are modular. This achieves low wire-transmission loss as well as better cable            management for airflow.